10/06/2008

Man In Court Over City Park Rape

An 18-year-old man has appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today charged with raping a woman in a city centre park.

Mark McLean from Lisleen Road, Belfast denies raping the woman, also 18, in Botanic Gardens on April 27.

A detective constable told Belfast Magistrate's Court the woman was not known to Mr McLean. He also claimed forensic evidence linked the man to the attack, which he called a "high profile, stranger rape".

Mr McLean was remanded in custody and is due to appear via video link next month.

(KMcA/JM)

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